by InTrieste
Renowned economist Paul Ekins, known for his pioneering work in environmental economics and sustainability, is set to headline a lecture at the University of Trieste. Ekins, currently a lecturer at University College London and a former consultant to the European Commission, will deliver a keynote address titled “Weak and Strong Sustainability: Perspectives on Environmental and Sustainability Indicators” on Tuesday, June 11th.
The lecture, organized by the Department of Economic, Business, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences “Bruno de Finetti” (DEAMS) of the University of Trieste, will be conducted in English and is open to the public. It will take place at 4 pm in the prestigious Conference Room of Building D.
Ekins’ work spans over three decades, during which he has developed a comprehensive framework of indicators to evaluate the environmental sustainability of territories. One of his significant contributions is the Environmental Sustainability Gap (ESGAP), a metric that compares a country’s current environmental performance with scientifically established benchmarks.
In recent years, Ekins has introduced novel measures of environmental sustainability specifically tailored for European countries within the ESGAP framework. These include the Strong Environmental Sustainability Index (SESI) and the Strong Environmental Sustainability Progress Index (SESPI), aimed at providing insights into a nation’s development and well-being in relation to its natural capital.
The significance of ESGAP’s methodology is underscored by its potential adoption by the European Environment Agency in its forthcoming report on the state of the environment in Europe.
Beyond academia, Ekins has played pivotal roles in various international organizations and initiatives. He has served as Co-Director and Vice Director of the UK Energy Research Centre, focusing on low-carbon futures and resource governance. Additionally, Ekins is a member of the International Resource Panel of the United Nations Environment Programme and has contributed extensively to global environmental assessments.
Ekins’ contributions to environmental policy have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the Officer of the Order of the British Empire. His lecture at the University of Trieste promises to offer valuable insights into the intersection of economics, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
